Pathology results in My Health Record, explained
Vitamin D blood test results explained
Vitamin D helps your body take up calcium and phosphate to keep bones healthy, and it plays a part in muscles, nerves and the immune system. Most of it is made in your skin in sunlight. The blood test measures the form your liver makes, 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Also printed as: 25(OH)D, 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D | The main blood test of the body's vitamin D supply. | 75–250 nmol/L (some labs start at 50) |
Good to know in Australia
- Australian reports give vitamin D as 25-hydroxyvitamin D in nmol/L.
- Levels are usually higher at the end of summer and lower over winter, when there is less sun.
- Medicare covers the test for people with certain conditions or risk factors listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule. These include signs of bone thinning or softening, some calcium or parathyroid problems, trouble absorbing food, kidney failure, deeply pigmented skin, and long-term lack of sun exposure. Your GP can tell you whether you qualify.
- Tell your GP about vitamins, supplements and medicines you take, as some can affect the result.
Call 000 in an emergency. For health advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). For questions about what your results mean for you, talk to your GP.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your pathology report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your GP, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to My Health Record or any Australian health record system. Hospital connections work with US hospitals, not Australian ones.
Vita Health Coach on the App StoreAsk it in ChatGPT
Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) result?”
Questions
Do I need to fast for a vitamin D test?
No special preparation is needed for this test.
Why was my level lower this time?
Vitamin D often drops over winter because of less sunlight. The time of year of each test is worth mentioning when you compare results with your GP.
Can vitamin D be too high?
Yes. High levels are usually linked to taking too many vitamin pills or supplements. Talk to your GP before changing what you take.
More for Australia
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 000. Read the medical disclaimer.